Pages

August 24, 2015

Changing Vision

As most of my faithful blogging friends know, I thoroughly enjoy wildlife photography. The recent Nashville workshop featured Americana subject matter, so wildlife was in extremely short supply. An unfriendly, resident cat at Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was the only critter spotted during that week. I snuck up on him while napping and quickly got off a few shots before he fled the scene.

I had muscle surgery last Friday on my left eye. That makes four eye surgeries in two years. Sigh. I have been seeing significant double vision for well over a year now. The imbalance occurred when I developed a prolapsed lacrimal gland in my right eye, and swelling from surgical correction worsened the degree of strabismus.

I originally developed strabismus, with my right eye turning inward, as a child. I lived with the condition until I had surgery about 25 years ago. It was largely corrected, but binocular vision still remained off by a couple of degrees. It has been very difficult to adjust to last year’s visual developments. My brain could not simply ignore the double vision. It has been confusing and debilitating, on top of everything else I’ve had going on (caregiver, husband dying from cancer, hernia surgery, widowhood, broken foot, etc.)

Since my right eye previously had muscle surgery, it was not a good candidate for a repeat operation. Thankfully, both eyes track. The left eye – which didn’t turn inward - had to be the one adjusted. It sounds illogical, but it’s not.

Enough of the history lesson, and fast forward to the present! The doctor is very skilled and experienced. He concluded that my condition was stable and a surgical solution was the best option. I have a nice travel break right now and can significantly heal up before my next trip. A friend graciously offered to take off from work and accompany me for the day, lending emotional support. God bless dear friends like her. The family across the street had fun taking care of Angel for the day. I sweated out possible complications from anesthesia, but I got through surgery and recovery just fine. Based on vision tests after I got most of the anesthesia out of my system, binocular vision was right on the money. I could see in 3D for the first time in over 50 years.

Amazing. All of you with binocular vision should be getting down on your knees every day and thanking God for such a cherished gift. Seriously.

I didn’t get to enjoy the effect for very long. The surgeon loosened up temporary slipknots to bring the vision just slightly off. As the muscles heal, they will tighten up again should bring it all back together again.

In the meantime, my left eye is blood red and mucky. As you can imagine, visual acuity is not very good at the moment because of the muck. There are multiple stitches (six are visible), and they scratch like a Brillo pad. It’s annoying, but the temporary bother is a small price to pay. My eyes look straight and are working together. Antibiotic and steroid eye drops are required four times a day. Total recovery time is estimated to be about six weeks, with some minor precautions in the first two weeks. The doctor called me over the weekend, quizzed me about how I felt, and assured me that everything was normal. I’ll see him tomorrow for the first of several post-op checkups.

I deeply appreciate your prayers as I heal and go forward in this latest life chapter!

19 comments:

So, so glad to hear the surgery went well, Donna. Hopefully, it won't be too long for complete recovery. I'm a bit concerned about Rylan; as you probably know she started wearing glasses when she was 2/12 or so. I can always tell when she puts them on, that she can see better.

I'm happy that your friends and neighbors help you out; such a blessing. Take care!+

Oh Donna, I can't imagine how frustrated you must be to have to deal with all this. It seems like one thing after another just piling up on you.Hang in there sister. There are better days to come, I am sure.

I'm glad your surgery went good and you are healing nicely. You are one tough lady! And that picture of the cat is stunning considering itvwas just an infriendly guy hanging around! I personally would love more cat pics! Take care my friend.

Praying that all continues to heal very well. Your doctor sounds amazing. I have never given much thought to binocular vision and so I will certainly thank God for it. So many things we take for granted I am sure. Take care of yourself and get those drops in! Love to you...

Donna, I'm so glad you had the surgery and will pray that it works beautifully for you and you have wonderful vision. I've never heard of this problem before and it must have been difficult for you with photography sessions and all. Take care Donna. Sending love and hugs and prayers for a complete recovery.

So glad this went well; yet another reason to be thinking of you. I developed an eye disease as a teenager and had two cornea transplants. The left eye never came out of it with clear vision, so I've always only seen clearly through one eye. Never gave me many problems until recently, but the muscles in the left eye are now so lazy that that eye is shifting and creating double vision, at least whenever I'm tired. I can sympathize and wish you the best. Good vision makes SUCH a difference!

What wonderful news Donna. I was wondering how things went. So glad you are on the road to recovery, may it be a speedy trip.Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, as always. Hugs for you and Angel!

Thank God for wonderful blessings! So glad your vision is going to be better and happy you had friends that were there for you and Angel. You've been through so much and have remained so strong. I admire you. I know you have meltdowns but you keep bouncing up and get things done! Not easy by a long shot. ((Hugs))

It is heartening to learn that your friends came to your aid during the time of your surgery! It is also good to hear that your doctor thinks that your healing is progressing normally! May you continue to heal and find help. (Psalm 121:2 is a comforting verse!)

Have been a bit slow catching up on your news Donna. Do hope your eye is continuing to heal well. I am feeling very thankful for my eyesight, especially after hearing your story.The mountain range photo in your latest post is amazing Donna. Wow.Continued prayers for you daily Donna.

where do I get my photography training? at lynda.com!

Photo Editing on Macs!

Please contact me about Natural Habitat Adventures tours!

Search My Blog

Blog Archive List

Follow by E-mail

permanently closed

Translate

LinkWithin

Special Note

I have affiliate business relationships with various photographic service suppliers. I advertise their products and services on this blog and receive compensation for any sales generated through the advertising links. I use the products and services offered by these companies without compensation and can attest to their quality! I am also not compensated for any product/service reviews in blog posts unless specifically stated within the posts. Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.